If you can’t pair Apple Pencil with your iPad

Find out what to do if you can’t pair your Apple Pencil.

iPad with Apple Pencil magnetically attached, displaying iOS 17 home screen

Before you begin

If you’re pairing Apple Pencil (1st generation) with iPad (10th generation), make sure you have the required USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter and a compatible cable, such as the USB-C Charge Cable.

Pair your Apple Pencil

If your Apple Pencil won’t pair with your iPad

  1. Connect your Apple Pencil to your iPad:

    • With Apple Pencil Pro or Apple Pencil (2nd generation): centre your Apple Pencil on the magnetic connector.

    • With Apple Pencil (1st generation) and iPad (6th through 9th generations): remove the cap and plug your Apple Pencil into the Lightning connector on your iPad.

    • With Apple Pencil (1st generation) and iPad (10th generation): remove the cap and plug your Apple Pencil and a USB-C cable into the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter. Plug the other end of the cable into your iPad.

  2. Keep the Pencil connected to your iPad, then restart your iPad and try to pair again.

  3. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure that Bluetooth is turned on.

  4. On the same screen, find your Apple Pencil under My Devices. If you find it, tap info . Then tap Forget this Device.

  5. Connect your Apple Pencil into your iPad and tap the Pair button when it appears after a few seconds.

  6. If the Pair button doesn’t appear, wait for one minute while your Apple Pencil charges. Then try connecting your Apple Pencil again and wait until the Pair button appears.

  7. If your Apple Pencil Pro or Apple Pencil (2nd generation) still won’t pair, remove any cases or covers from the iPad, then try to pair again.

  8. If the Pair button still doesn’t appear, you might need service. Get service.

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